The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-07-16

an experimental one, no definite plan OF
work was laid out, no complete under
standing could then have been arrived at
as to the scope of such an undertaking.
The term Financial Agent was dropped
and General Agent used in it's place in
order to more accurately define the posi-
ton the college wished to assume in
this matter, or rather to eliminate the
impression which college agent usually
makes when he comes to town, as much
as possible the idea that systematic
canvas for money is being made. The
change of title has been of much advan-
tage to your agent, and in many cases
has disarmed public sentiment, and gain
ed courteous and patient hearing,
which might not otherwise have been
accorded.
The theory upon which I laid out my
work and upon which based all my pub
lie utterances was that Buchtel College
is now in position to urge upon its con-
stituency consideration of it's merits
and that it's friends should not be asked
to patronize it out of charity, but be-
cause it was worthy Of it; that they
should not be asked for money because
it was poor and needy, but because it is
prosperous and SO equipped that money
requests would now be source of pos
tive growth and not end with being
Ir o. 60 fo khn
creditor. Most people would rather
give money to fourishing enterprise
than to losing one il the object of their
giving was to promote the welfare Of
their fellows in the development of educa-
tional institutions. It was unfortunate
for the influence of Buchtel College
among the people of the Universalist
church that it was not in a position to
have assumed this attitude years ago and
after somewhat extended observation
among the parishes of the Universslist
church that come within the range of the
legitimate field of Buchtel College, am
satisfied that the patronage of Universal
list families has been withheld from us
not because they do not believe in high
er education, nor because they are not
able to educate their children, but more
than any thing else for the reason that
they questioned the standing and eff
cheney of an institution that was constant
ly making money demands upon the peo-
pie; and when the matter of the educa-
ton of their own children came up, they
patronize what they call hourishing col
leges rather than one which seems to
them to be upon the verge OF dissolution.
However. illogical and unfounded such
an assumption may be, it has come under
my observation SO frequently that I be-
lieve such feeling to be quite generally
INDUCED among the Universalists of this
State. The iberality OF the Universalist
people goes so far that they are willing
to patronize college of any denomina-
ton merely inquiring after it's rank and
standard, and Buchtel College to gain the
patronage of the Universalist people,
must enter into competition with all the
high standard colleges of the country.
have found in single parish as
many as four Leading families Of the
church patronizlng other colleges in the
| State. The first conclusion / make in
view Of this is to say that since the COL
lege is upon as good basis, Is SO we'll
equipped to do the work of first-class
institution of learning, that it should
keep that representation in the fore
ground in all its appeals to it's constitu-
ency and be known by its merits rather
than its deficits. The college has need
| of some additional endowments of pro-
fessorships. 1t has need of new build
ing to accommodate the collegiate de-
partment in manner BETTING its pres
emit standard and the demands of the
times-but an addition Of one hundred
students would increase the income of
the college four thousand dollars, with
out an sppreciable addition of expense,
and from financial standpoint would
be as good as two endowed professor
ships. One hundred more students in
the collegiate department would give
more dignity to Buchtel College. and add
more to its standing among the colleges
of the West, than either new building
or new endowments. Young people are
becoming very discriminating in their
tastes in college matters; the question most
frequently asked by them is, "How many
students are in your collegiate depart
ment?" "How large is your Junior CLASP"
Glass associations and the pride of being
connected with large body of students
make strong appeals to those who are
contemplating college course.
A college under control of a religious
denomination and which is non-sectarian
In its methods, has broad field in this
country and a large number of people
can be found who are willing to consider
it's advantages. During the past four
and one-half months I have held twenty
one public meetings in Ohio, Indiana,
Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York.
In nearly every instance have been re-
ceived with courtesy and have been given
patient hearing. No estimate can be
made as to what results will follow. I
have on my list nearly two hundred
young people, the most of whom have
talked with personally, who have exhib-
tied some interest in going to college.